DIY Banana Peel Tea: A Homemade Fertilizer for Succulents

Banana peels are not just good for us, they’re great for plants too! They contain important nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium that can make your plants thrive. If you’re a gardener, you might be wondering how to use banana peels as a fertilizer.

Well, it’s not as easy as tossing a peel into the pot. There are a few different ways you can use banana peels to help your plants grow. One great option, especially for succulents, is to make banana peel tea fertilizer.

Why is banana peel tea a good choice for succulents? Well, there are actually multiple reasons! In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using banana peel tea as fertilizer for your succulents. Get ready to learn how this natural and easy-to-make fertilizer can give your succulents a boost!

Is Banana Peel Tea Good for Plants?

If you’re thinking about using banana peels as a fertilizer, you might be wondering if it’s actually good for plants. Well, let me tell you, banana peel tea fertilizer is fantastic for plants, especially succulents! You see, banana peels are packed with nutrients that plants love.

Inside a dry banana peel, you’ll find about 40 percent potassium. This nutrient is fantastic for helping plants grow strong stems and produce beautiful flowers. In the winter, the peels also provide great nourishment for the plant’s roots.

The peel is not just a one-trick pony when it comes to nutrients. It’s also rich in calcium, which helps break down organic materials in the potting mix. There’s even manganese, which helps with important plant processes like photosynthesis and pigmentation. And let’s not forget about sodium—it interacts with ions and water between the plant cells.

Now, when it comes to succulents, they have some specific needs when it comes to soil. It’s crucial to get the right balance of nutrients in their potting mix. This ensures good drainage and loose soil density. Succulents are adapted to dry weather, so too much water can make their roots start to rot. It’s essential to keep this in mind when using banana peel fertilizer.

The perfect soil mix for succulents includes granite, fine sand, and some coarse inorganic minerals. Some gardeners like to add peat moss or organic pine bark for added structure.

But why is banana peel tea fertilizer a better option than just throwing the peels in the soil? Well, for starters, when you place banana peels in the soil, they tend to attract flies and gnats. Using banana peel tea cleverly avoids this problem while still providing all the benefits.

How to Make Banana Peel Tea

Now that you know how amazing banana peel tea is for your plants, let’s learn how to make it. It’s actually quite simple!

Method 1 (For Continuous Use):

1. Get a container the size of a mason jar and fill it with water three-quarters of the way. Cover the jar and place it in your fridge.
2. Each time you eat a banana, chop up the peels and add them to the jar.
3. Keep doing this until the water is filled with banana peels.
4. Remove the peels and mix the banana-infused water with a gallon of regular water. Voila! You have banana peel tea fertilizer ready to use.

Method 2 (For One-Time Use):

1. Boil water and place the banana peels in a one-quart mason jar.
2. Cover the jar and leave it undisturbed outside for about 48 hours.
3. Remove the peels and use the remaining banana tea to water your plants.

If You Want to Go Further

Feeling adventurous? You can also make a banana peel fertilizer spray! Here’s how:

1. Let the banana peels dry in the sun (you can use a container or parchment paper to collect them).
2. Prepare the eggshells by crumbling them a bit and placing them on the counter.
3. Once the peels are completely dry, grind them along with the eggshells until they turn into powder.
4. Add the powder and one tablespoon of Epsom salt to a 32-ounce spray bottle.
5. Fill the bottle almost to the top with water and shake it well to dissolve the powders.

And there you have it! A fantastic fertilizer spray for your plants. Just remember, if you’re using it on plants in direct sunlight, be careful not to overdo it. Start with a small amount and see how your plants respond.

Parting Thoughts

Banana peels are truly a great fertilizer. However, when it comes to succulents and cacti, they don’t need as much feeding as other types of plants. That’s why banana peel tea is a perfect solution. It allows you to reduce food waste while providing your plants with just the right amount of nourishment. It’s a win-win situation!

So, next time you enjoy a delicious banana, remember to save those peels and transform them into an incredible fertilizer for your succulents. Happy gardening!